Table of Contents
Introduction
Transform your kitchen into a sweet oasis with these irresistible Creamsicle Orange Cookies that perfectly capture the nostalgic flavors of your favorite summer treat. These soft, pillowy cookies blend bright citrus notes with creamy vanilla, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Easy Creamsicle Orange Cookies
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are more than just a treat – they’re a trip down memory lane. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of orange and vanilla flavors make them impossible to resist. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just basic pantry ingredients and about 15 minutes of active preparation time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies deliver professional results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
For the Creamy Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2-3 drops orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Base:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl
- Set aside your dry mixture
- Create Your Cookie Dough:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
- Beat in eggs one at a time
- Add orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice
- Mix until well combined
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just incorporated
- Shape and Bake:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets
- Space cookies 2 inches apart
- Gently press down each cookie
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes
- Transfer to wire racks
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla
- Stir in orange zest and food coloring if using
- Adjust consistency with extra cream if needed
- Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these cookies at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or hot cup of tea. For optimal freshness, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain softness, place a slice of bread in the container – it works like magic! These cookies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results
- Don’t overmix the dough – stop when ingredients are just combined
- Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant flavor
- Let cookies cool completely before glazing
- For perfect portioning, use a cookie scoop
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even baking
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours or frozen for 3 months.
Why did my cookies spread too much? Your butter might have been too soft. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use bottled orange juice? Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s pure orange juice without added sugars.
How do I know when they’re done? The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked – they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies aren’t just dessert – they’re a delightful reminder of carefree summer days and ice cream truck treats. Perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies combine the best of both worlds: the bright, citrusy punch of orange and the smooth, creamy sweetness of vanilla. Give them a try, and watch them become your new favorite cookie recipe!
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